Engineers and technology professionals who want to influence public policy rather than simply observe it now have an exceptional opportunity to do so. The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program has announced preparations for its 2027–2028 cohort, providing selected fellows with the chance to work directly inside the United States Congress or the U.S. Department of State while receiving financial support valued at approximately US$100,000.
Rather than focusing on academic research, the fellowship places professionals at the heart of government decision-making, where they contribute technical expertise to legislation, innovation policy, cybersecurity, energy, diplomacy, and other national priorities.
With more than five decades of history, the IEEE-USA Government Fellowship remains one of the most respected policy programmes for engineers seeking leadership experience beyond traditional technical careers.
Why the IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Stands Out
Many fellowship programmes are centred on research or classroom learning. The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship takes a different approach by embedding participants within federal institutions where they help shape policies affecting science, technology, infrastructure, and national development.
Fellows spend an entire year working alongside policymakers in Washington, D.C., applying engineering knowledge to real government challenges while gaining first-hand experience in the legislative and policy-making process.
The 2027–2028 fellowship will run from 1 September 2027 through 31 August 2028, offering participants valuable exposure to the intersection of technology and public leadership.
Fellowship Tracks Available
Applicants may be selected for one of several specialised fellowship pathways depending on their expertise and career interests.
Congressional Fellowship
Participants assigned to the U.S. Congress support lawmakers and congressional committees by:
- Conducting technology and policy research
- Drafting legislation
- Preparing committee briefings
- Writing technical reports and policy papers
- Advising legislators on science and engineering issues
- Translating complex technical concepts into practical policy recommendations
Engineering & Diplomacy Fellowship
This pathway places fellows within the U.S. Department of State, where they contribute to international science and technology initiatives in areas such as:
- Science diplomacy
- Artificial intelligence policy
- Cybersecurity
- Emerging technologies
- International innovation partnerships
- Global engineering standards
Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship
Engineers with experience in energy systems may also be considered for the specialised Electric Grid Policy Fellowship, where responsibilities include supporting policy related to:
- Electric grid modernisation
- Renewable energy integration
- Grid resilience
- Transmission infrastructure
- Energy legislation
- Power system cybersecurity
- Federal energy programmes
Applicants for this track are generally expected to possess around seven years of relevant professional experience, although certain advanced academic qualifications may count toward this requirement.
Financial Benefits
Successful fellows receive a comprehensive financial package designed to support full-time participation throughout the fellowship year.
Benefits include:
- Annual fellowship stipend of approximately US$95,000
- US$5,000 relocation allowance
- Total support valued at around US$100,000
- Professional policy and leadership training
- Networking opportunities with senior government officials
- Direct experience working within the U.S. federal government
- Lifetime access to the IEEE-USA Government Fellows alumni network
Compensation for the Electric Grid Policy Fellowship may be higher depending on the fellow’s qualifications and placement.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should satisfy the programme’s general eligibility requirements, including:
- Active IEEE membership
- Ability to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the fellowship period
- Strong background in engineering, science, or technology
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government affairs, or technology governance
Eligible Academic Backgrounds
The fellowship welcomes professionals from a broad range of STEM disciplines, including:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Telecommunications
- Energy Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Environmental Engineering
- Technology Policy
- Other engineering and applied science fields
What Fellows Do During the Programme
Throughout the fellowship, participants become active contributors to government operations rather than observers.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Evaluating proposed legislation
- Conducting policy research
- Preparing congressional briefings
- Meeting with lawmakers and senior officials
- Drafting policy recommendations
- Supporting committee hearings
- Advising on engineering and technology issues
- Translating technical evidence into practical public policy
The experience provides a unique opportunity to understand how engineering expertise influences national decision-making.
Why Engineers Should Consider This Fellowship
Technology increasingly shapes economic growth, national security, energy systems, and international relations. Governments therefore require professionals who can bridge the gap between technical innovation and public policy.
The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship enables participants to develop that expertise while building networks across government, academia, industry, and the broader technology community.
Many former fellows have gone on to leadership positions within federal agencies, research institutions, universities, private technology companies, think tanks, and international organisations.
Application Timeline
The official application deadline for the 2027–2028 IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program has not yet been announced.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor the official IEEE-USA fellowship webpage regularly for updates on application opening dates, eligibility requirements, and submission deadlines well ahead of the programme’s September 2027 start.
